Gout: A Painful Type of Arthritis Caused by Uric Acid Crystals
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by the presence of sharp uric acid crystals in the joints. It is caused by the build-up of uric acid in the body, a condition known as hyperuricemia. The breakdown of purine, a compound found in various foods and drinks, leads to the production of uric acid.
For individuals with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome (LNS), hyperuricemia is one of the indicators. In people with LNS, gout typically develops during the late teen years or early adulthood, resulting in frequent flare-ups or attacks.
Bladder and Kidney Stones
Crystals that can develop in the joints can also form urate stones in the kidneys and bladder. In children, parents may observe the presence of “orange sand,” a sign of urate stones, in their diapers. These deposits can build up over time, leading to blood in the urine and a higher likelihood of urinary tract infections. In cases where the stones are too big to pass through the kidneys naturally, a targeted aquatic high-energy shock wave procedure called ESWL is used to break them down.